Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the ZTE nubia Flip. On paper, these two devices present a fascinating contrast: a workhorse mid-ranger versus a stylish, foldable contender. Let's see how they stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | ZTE nubia Flip | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The nubia Flip offers a unique foldable design, while the Redmi Note 12 is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 170 × 75.5 × 7 mm | Nubia Flip is slightly taller and thinner when unfolded. Redmi Note 12 has more volume and is thicker. |
| Weight | 188g | 214g | The Redmi Note 12 is significantly lighter, which translates to a more comfortable feel for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.9" | ZTE nubia Flip's slightly larger screen might provide a more immersive media experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1188x2790 | The nubia Flip offers a much sharper display with more pixels for finer detail and crisper text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 439 | ZTE nubia Flip has a slightly sharper screen, which will be noticeable in finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Redmi Note 12's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, richer colors, and better power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12’s significantly higher peak brightness makes it far more usable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) | The nubia Flip's more powerful chip translates to smoother multitasking, gaming, and faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 690,000 | The nubia Flip shows superior performance in benchmarks, indicative of a snappier user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 644 | The nubia Flip's Adreno 644 is a more capable GPU, delivering better graphics in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.7 | Nubia Flip offers a slightly wider aperture and a 2MP higher resolution, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 16MP | ZTE nubia Flip has higher resolution, which could translate to more detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not present | Redmi Note 12 includes a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing more in the frame. |
| Portrait Lens | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nubia Flip includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode images with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not present | Redmi Note 12 includes a dedicated macro lens for taking close-up shots of tiny subjects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120 fps slow-mo | 4K, 120 fps slow-mo | ZTE nubia Flip provides 4K video, which produces much higher quality video with more details. |
| DXOMark | 69 | Not tested | Redmi Note 12 has a basic benchmark in camera performance. Nubia Flip lacks this score, making evaluation difficult. |
| Features | Triple camera, PDAF, RAW | Dual camera, 4K, | Redmi Note 12 has dedicated features for photography with additional software modes, while Nubia flip is better with video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | Redmi Note 12 has a larger battery, suggesting potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast | 33W fast | Both offer the same charging speed. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | ZTE nubia Flip's reverse charging is useful for topping up other devices in emergencies. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The nubia Flip offers a slightly more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | ZTE nubia Flip supports the newer WiFi 6 standard, enabling faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | ZTE nubia Flip has a newer Bluetooth version, which might offer slightly better energy efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS L1+L5 | GPS, Galileo, BeiDou | The nubia Flip has more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The nubia Flip offers eSIM for more flexible carrier options, while Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 supports two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256 GB | 256GB or 512GB | The nubia Flip starts at a higher base storage option and has an option with much more storage. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | ZTE nubia Flip has more RAM, enhancing multitasking and app performance, while Redmi Note 12 has a smaller RAM capacity. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for memory expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic features | Basic features | Both devices have similar basic audio setups. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have reliable fingerprint scanners for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi's display has a higher level of protection than ZTE. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Proximity Sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12's Ultrasonic Sensor might be slightly more accurate and versatile. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Excellent display with AMOLED, high brightness, lighter design, larger battery, and a wide-angle camera and macro lens.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior screen brightness, lower weight, reliable camera capabilities, and likely longer battery life due to its larger capacity.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, less RAM, basic display and camera technology compared to the Nubia Flip, and less storage options.
ZTE nubia Flip:
- Strengths: Innovative foldable design, higher resolution display, more powerful chipset, more RAM, higher-resolution selfie camera, and 4K video capabilities, more storage options.
- Competitive Advantages: Unique design, superior performance, higher resolution display and camera, and a more recent Android version.
- Trade-offs: Heavier build, potentially shorter battery life, no AMOLED display, lacks a wide-angle and a macro lens and a lower peak display brightness.
Overall:
The Redmi Note 12 prioritizes a reliable experience with a focus on display, battery, and usability. The nubia Flip aims for a more premium experience with a focus on cutting-edge features such as the folding screen, performance, and multimedia capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Users who value practicality, a robust screen, long battery life, and a balanced feature set at a good price.
- Use Cases: Daily driver for social media, browsing, streaming, moderate gaming, and photography under any conditions.
- Value: Great choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a dependable phone.
ZTE nubia Flip:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts who want a unique foldable phone with high performance, are interested in photography and video and like multimedia.
- Use Cases: Heavy gaming, content creation, multitasking, consuming high-definition media, and capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Value: Suitable for those willing to pay more for a cutting-edge device with higher performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you need a foldable phone? If yes, the ZTE nubia Flip is your only option here. The standard design of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 won't cut it.
What is your budget? If budget is your primary concern, the Redmi Note 12 offers great value. If you are willing to spend more for a unique, high-performance device, the Nubia Flip is your option.
Which feature is most important to you?
- If having an excellent display for visibility under sunlight and a longer battery life is important, and an all-around reliable phone, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
- If performance, a higher-resolution display and camera, cutting-edge software, and a unique design are your priorities, go with the ZTE nubia Flip.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would lean towards the ZTE nubia Flip.
While the Redmi Note 12 is a solid device with a great display and dependable performance, the Nubia Flip’s advantages are just too compelling. The foldable design, the superior performance and the multimedia capabilities make it a more exciting device overall. As a tech journalist, I am always intrigued by innovation and the practical applications of new technologies. While I appreciate the reliability and performance of the Xiaomi, the ZTE has the edge for me.
The folding form factor is more than just a gimmick – it offers a different way to interact with content and enhances portability in a way that is very appealing. Plus, the superior processor and higher camera resolution are a big plus for someone who pushes their devices. While I am not keen on the lack of an AMOLED display and the potential battery life tradeoff, I value the overall experience the Nubia Flip offers.
